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England’s best-known and most popular national park is a postcard landscape of shimmering lakes, craggy hilltops and ancient forests that has enchanted poets and painters since the late 18th century, when the Romantics first had their imaginations stirred by the panoramas that have remained unchanged to this day.
And what panoramas they are. There’s the classic Lakeland setting of Windermere, England’s largest lake and the primary destination for millions of tourists since the railroad was first built in the middle of the 19th century. On it is busy Bowness and the charming villages of Grasmere and Hawkshead, surrounded on all sides by beautiful mountains.
The north lakes – Ullswater, Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater, Loweswater – are quieter and wilder, in the shadow of the rugged Skiddaw range and with handsome Keswick at the heart of it. The lush Borrowdale Valley leads to the dramatic Honister mountain pass and into the natural lakes of Buttermere & Crummock.
Adventure seekers go west, to the higher ground of Great Langdale and the region’s major summits of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the biggest mountain of all, Scafell Pike.
The Lake District is an outdoor activities paradise, but its literary connections draw as many visitors as its walks do. William Wordsworth lived virtually all of his life here, drawing inspiration from the surrounding countryside to write some of the English language’s most enduring poetry. The landscape also proved a creative spark for the likes of Sameul Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter – who dedicated much of her life to protecting the Lake District’s beauty and heritage.
In all its beauty and diversity the Lake District remains as it has been for millennia, which is one of the reasons why in 2017 the national park was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site – its river valleys, lakes and mountains home to an unique hill-farming culture and ancient heritage that has been carefully preserved. Here in the Lake District we know how to take good care of you; we’ve had plenty of practice.
Explore
Gatesbield is a small sheltered housing association set in award winning gardens in the centre of…
If you fancy a challenge, why not Canoe the length of Windermere with us? We do this over 2 days…
Join rising star Dana Zemtsov and Festival Director Anthony Hewitt in John Ruskin's elegant drawing…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Follow the 'Tone Trail' in the serene setting of Brantwood Gardens and hear beautiful music whilst…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Join us on a journey through the world's most breathtaking landscapes with a selection of award…
Join us for an incredible adventure in the Great Langdale Valley in the heart of the Lake District…
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
This week we'll be helping our special woods at Staveley Woodlands Nature Reserve. Try your hand at…
Spend a weekend learning how to sail our Canoes. They are specifically designed to Sail fast and…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
A 112 mile charity sportive around the English Lake District.
A short National Park Volunteer-led guided walk using accessible paths to the summit of Orrest Head…
As part of Lake District Music's spring series of concerts, London Central Brass Quintet perform at…
A Flagship fundraising event for Walking with the Wounded, individuals, companies and organisations…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
Enjoy a freshly prepared buffet, a relaxed atmosphere and a unique viewing point for some of the…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
A one and a quarter-hour cruise to catch the sunset over Windermere. This relaxing cruise takes…
Learn a traditional rural craft and make your own timeless round basket with a handle. A course for…
Create your own silver pendant or earrings inspired by the natural world. Silver clay is fun, fast…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan this coming May.
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 493
, currently showing 461 to 480.
Windermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
Keswick
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, The Old Barn and Farm House have outstanding views of the entire valley.
Ambleside
Ambleside Manor Vegetarian Country Guest House situated in over 2 acres of privates with plenty of free parking in the lovely village of Ambleside where we have two award winning vegetarian restaurants within a short walking distance.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
408 reviewsWindermere
Denehurst is a traditional Lakeland stone house built in 1898 and full of Victorian charm and character. Situated in a quiet area away from the main road and with ample and convenient parking, we are just a 10-minute walk from Bowness.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
416 reviewsHawkshead, Lake Windermere
With stunning views of Lake Windermere on the private Graythwaite Estate, our course is a real gem taking in the natural landscape with instruction delivered by our qualified team. We’re stoked to teach first time drivers and improve the skills of…
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331 reviewsWindermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
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2694 reviewsPortinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Grasmere
Whatever the reason for your visit and whatever the weather outside, you can expect to sleep soundly within the walls of this 17thC coaching inn. Many of our bedrooms have views across the garden towards Helm Crag.
Newby Bridge, Backbarrow
At the heart of our hotel, you will find the Riverside restaurant. Our restaurant team will make your dining an experience to remember. The cuisine represents the best of modern British mixed along with classic cookery offering a fresh and modern…
Ambleside
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are ready and waiting for families and groups of all sizes eager to get away from it all and holiday together!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
143 reviewsBowness-on-Windermere
Idyllic secluded retreat with superb views over Lake Windermere & fells, once owned by Beatrix Potter. Boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a 2 AA Rosette restaurant with holistic treatments.
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1419 reviewsPenrith
A stunning grade I listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique & contemporary stylish retreat. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home awaits.
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218 reviewsBassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
Coniston
• Sleeps 4
• Outstanding lake views
• Private balcony and garden
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Open fire
• Village location close to several pubs and shops
Ambleside
Jim and Monique look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful, elegant Victorian Guest House situated in the centre of the picturesque village of Ambleside. Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, World Heritage site.
Windermere
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for creativity. If you are looking for somewhere cosy, quirky, characterful & unique then look no further.
Penrith
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and refuel ready for your next adventure. It’s open daily from 10am – 4.30pm, with indoor and outdoor seating, serving some tasty treats and refreshing…
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Nr Kendal
This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its rich and beautiful garden includes a pond, lake, a national collection of hardy ferns and a superb limestone rock garden. Sizergh Castle is a medieval house with Tudor…
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1570 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL